Previous location closed in 2010

Downtown Gallup now has a shop for musical instruments, music lessons, and Native American jewelry. The same establishment existed some time ago at 200 W. Coal Ave., but closed in 2010 after 13 years in business.

A soft opening of Quintana’s was held Sept. 3 from noon to 2 pm at W. 223 Coal Ave., the new location. A grand opening, complete with organized and impromptu jam sessions, took place Sept. 10 amidst ArtsCrawl Gallup – a monthly event wherein local galleries welcome the general public.

“We are back and with more to offer,” Ryan Quintana, an owner and operator of the store, said. “We are in the business of providing and serving quality musical instruments to people of every age. Music is for everyone.”

Quintana, who is an accomplished musician, said the 4,200-square-foot store carries guitars from Marshall, ESP, and Ibanez; percussion instruments from Tama; and other equipment from Orange.

“Those are just a few of the many items available for purchase,” Quintana said.

Born and raised in Gallup, Quintana said the store carries music books, keyboard accessories, and offers band instruments for students. The band departments at Gallup and Miyamura high schools are already steady clients.

“Our desire is to be a premier music center with everything to offer in seeing everyone aspire to their talents and grow,” Quintana said.

Beginner to advanced music lessons are offered in piano, guitar, and violin.

“The store works with name-brand instrument companies to conduct music clinics in Gallup, where company representatives will be on-site for daylong work and music clinics,” Quintana said.

Meet the Co-Owner

Co-owner Rhonda Quintana, Ryan’s wife and also a Gallup native, cross-operates a retail store featuring jewelry, as well a arts and crafts from Native American artisans in the same location.

Rhonda, who studied music at the Music Institute in Hollywood, Calif., is a 2000 recipient of the Best Blues Production award from the New Mexico Music Association. She was recently the CEO of an Arizona-based entertainment company that managed bands, promoted shows, conducted production and live recordings, and worked with booking agencies, some of which performed at Gallup’s El Morro Theatre.

Rhonda also conducted tours, festivals and managed stage productions, corporate entertainment, and event management.

“We are supporters of local talent and musical events and entertainment,” Rhonda said. “Music and art is an important way of life to promote harmony, talent, and assist others along the way to grow.”

Both Ryan and Rhonda mentioned that Art Quintana, Ryan’s father and a wholesale dealer of Native American jewelry, plans to set up shop at Quintana’s, too. Both said the weekend ArtsCrawl was an opportunity to showcase the music and jewelry sides of the new store.

The soft opening saw hot dogs, soda, and chips served to those who browsed the shop. Quintana’s provides financing, as well, Ryan said.

Mary and Gene Nobles of Gallup browsed Quintana’s last weekend.

“There is a lot of nice stuff here,” Gene, a guitarist, said. “We didn’t but anything this time, but we will next time.”

By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent